Honda Accord IX
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The 9th-gen Accord (2013–2017) is one of the most respected midsize sedans of its era — "Recommended" across the board and routinely good for 200k–300k miles. The split is between the efficient four-cylinder CVT and the 278-hp V6.
The K24W 2.4 is a direct-injection four paired with a CVT; it's economical but burns oil with no warning light and builds intake-valve carbon. The CVT judders at 20–60 mph when the fluid degrades (TSB 17-017, a software-plus-flush fix with a 10-year/100k-mile extension on 2013–15). The J35Y 3.5 V6 with the 6-speed automatic avoids the CVT entirely and is the connoisseur's choice.
Test-drive checklist: On the four, feel for CVT shudder under light throttle and confirm the TSB 17-017 fix was done; check the dipstick before and after the drive for oil burn. On any 2013–15 car, cycle the Display Audio screen (freezes/reboots). Run the A/C hard — the unprotected aluminium condenser gets holed by road debris (~$650–800, not warranty-covered).
2026 market: Clean examples run $10,000–18,000; sub-$8,000 means 150k+ miles or rough.
Insider pick: a 2016–2017 EX-L V6 sedan (J35Y, 6-speed auto) — it skips the CVT, and the 2016 facelift added Honda Sensing and a better infotainment system. Verify the V6 timing belt was done around 100k miles.
Body Variants
The Honda Accord IX is available as Sedan and Coupé — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Honda Accord IX is available with 2 engine variants — from 185 to 278 hp.
2.4L Earth Dreams four-cylinder — Honda's solid midsize engine in the 9th Gen Accord. Extremely long-lived (200k+ miles documented), few structural weaknesses. CVT judders on 2013-2015 (TSB issued). Starter misalignment on 2013-2015. Valve cover leaks at high mileage. Rock-solid engine without excitement.
- !! TSB 16-002: starter not correctly aligned to the torque converter. Grinding noise on startup. from 80,000 km
TSB 16-002: starter not correctly aligned to torque converter. Grinding noise on start.
Symptoms: Grinding noise on start, occasionally won't start - !! High oil consumption (2.4 direct injection) from 60,000 km
The low-friction oil-control rings of the direct-injection 2.4 carbon up and let oil into the combustion chamber — about 1 quart per 1,000 mi with no visible leak. The only fix is replacing the piston rings, costing several thousand dollars.
Symptoms: Oil warning light between services, cold-start rattle, no external leak. - ! CVT shudders on pull-away and at low speeds. Honda TSB issued, warranty extended. 2013–2015 worst affected. from 80,000 km
CVT transmission judders on takeoff and at low speeds. TSB from Honda, warranty extension. 2013-2015 worst affected.
Symptoms: Juddering on takeoff, hesitation on acceleration
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
3.5L V6 with VCM (Variable Cylinder Management): powerful and smooth. VCM oil consumption is the known J-series topic — deactivated cylinders draw oil past piston rings. Significantly better than 8th Gen (class action 2013), but not fully resolved. VCM Muzzler ($50 aftermarket) as community fix. Carbon buildup from direct injection around 70k miles.
- !! VCM oil consumption — up to 1 qt per 1,000-1,500 miles from 100,000 km
Variable Cylinder Management deactivates cylinders at part load. Intake vacuum in deactivated cylinders draws oil past piston rings. VCM Muzzler ($50) as community fix. Up to 1 quart per 1,000-1,500 miles in severe cases.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level between changes, blue smoke on cold start - ! Intake valve carbon buildup — walnut blasting from 70k miles from 110,000 km
Direct injection = no valve cleaning from fuel. Walnut blasting from ~70k miles.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss on cold start - ! Starter misalignment V6 (2013-2015) — same TSB as K24W
Same TSB as K24W — starter/torque converter alignment.
Symptoms: Grinding on start
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| A/C condenser punctured by road debris The aluminium A/C condenser sits far forward and is easily punctured by road debris. The result is refrigerant loss and the A/C blowing only warm air. Not a warranty case (stone chip); replacement around $550–730. Symptoms: A/C no longer cools, warm air despite A/C on. from 30,000 km | Medium |
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 12 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Accord IX (2013–2017) — 7 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect HVAC, Brakes, Other, Electronics. Considered reliable: K24W (2.4L i-VTEC Earth Dreams), J35Y (3.5L V6 i-VTEC).
What to watch out for with the Honda Accord? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Honda Accord IX have? +
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Which Honda Accord IX engine is the most reliable? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee